Yes Ngaire, I understand what you are saying!

We were on a United flight in First Class on one of the commuter aircraft (only 6 first class seats). The gate agent refused to allow us to take our roll-aboards citing "insufficient overhead bin space" making us gate check them, and she was quite testy about it. Our suitcases had easily been accommodated on similar flights before. But we complied - I have learned it's not worth arguing with them, especially with someone like that that appeared to have a chip of their shoulder and could have easily denied our boarding altogether if I made too much trouble (we were on the last leg of a long flight home, and just wanted to get there!). So, I quickly had to transfer our most valuable stuff (computer, medicines, etc) to my quite large "ladies handbag". Got on the plane, and the lady in front of us had been allowed to bring aboard 2 large roll-aboards and 2 personal items! She filled the bin above her and on the other side. Our bin actually remained empty as there were only 3 of us in the first class cabin anyway!

Sometimes it can be pretty frustrating!

I had read all of the above information from Air India on their website, but as Ngaire said, I thought it would be nice to hear about personal experience. I know Colonel Wes and Ida did this trip - maybe he will chime in here!